FBI Releases Video as Nancy Guthrie Probe Advances/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities detained a person for questioning in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona. The FBI released surveillance footage of a masked individual outside her home the night she vanished. Investigators continue searching for answers as national attention intensifies.
Nancy Guthrie Disappearance – Quick Looks
- Person detained during traffic stop south of Tucson
- FBI released surveillance video showing masked individual
- Search warrant executed in Rio Rico, Arizona
- Blood found at scene confirmed as Nancy Guthrie’s
- Case has drawn nationwide attention due to family appeals
Deep Look: Person Detained in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance as FBI Releases Surveillance Video
Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have detained a person for questioning, marking a significant development in a case that has gripped the nation for more than a week.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday that deputies stopped and detained an individual during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Officials have not released the person’s identity or detailed the circumstances surrounding the detention.
The detention came just hours after the Federal Bureau of Investigation publicly released surveillance footage showing a masked figure outside Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home on the night she disappeared.
Court-Authorized Search Underway
Law enforcement officials also executed a court-approved search at a location in Rio Rico, Arizona — roughly an hour south of Tucson and about 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities said the search was expected to take several hours, but declined to describe what evidence they were seeking.
The sheriff’s department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI. Federal officials referred questions back to local authorities.
Surveillance Video Raises New Questions
The newly released video footage — less than a minute in total length — shows a person wearing a ski mask, backpack, and what appears to be a handgun holster approaching Guthrie’s front door in the foothills outside Tucson.
In one clip, the masked individual tilts their head away from the doorbell camera while walking toward the entrance. The person is also seen holding a flashlight in their mouth and attempting to obscure the camera using a gloved hand and a plant pulled from the yard.
It remains unclear whether a firearm was present in the holster.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, investigators were able to retrieve the footage only after extensive efforts to recover corrupted or inaccessible data from backend systems. The doorbell camera had been disconnected early on Feb. 1, complicating the investigation.
Officials hope the video will generate new leads from the public.
Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home on Jan. 31 and reported missing the following day. Investigators have consistently stated they believe she was taken against her will.
DNA testing later confirmed that blood discovered on her porch belonged to her, heightening fears for her safety. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that she requires several medications and could face life-threatening consequences without them.
For days, officials struggled to retrieve usable footage from the home’s security system. Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription on the camera service, meaning video was not automatically stored in the cloud.
Family Pleas and Ransom Speculation
The disappearance has drawn intense national attention due to the prominence of her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show.
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have released multiple emotional video statements appealing directly to whoever may be responsible. The family has expressed willingness to pay a ransom but has asked for proof that their mother is alive.
In one recent video, Savannah Guthrie described the situation as an “hour of desperation” and urged the public to help generate leads.
Over the weekend, the family posted another message suggesting they had received communication from someone connected to the disappearance, though authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of any ransom notes.
An FBI spokesperson previously stated that investigators were unaware of ongoing direct communication between the family and any suspected kidnappers.
Expanding Search Efforts
Investigators have returned repeatedly to Guthrie’s neighborhood, blocking access to her driveway and canvassing nearby homes. Law enforcement has gone door-to-door in areas connected to family members, including near the home of daughter Annie Guthrie.
Search teams have examined drainage systems and culverts in surrounding areas, using flashlights to inspect confined spaces.
The FBI has expanded its outreach efforts, placing digital billboards in major cities from Texas to California in hopes of gathering information.
National Reaction
The case has sparked reactions at the highest levels of government. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump viewed the surveillance footage and urged anyone with information to contact authorities.
Despite the new detention, officials have not formally identified any suspects or announced charges. Investigators caution that the detention does not necessarily indicate an arrest.
As the search continues, authorities remain focused on locating Nancy Guthrie and determining what happened inside her secluded Arizona home.
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